Pages

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I'm thrilled to be featuring this author with her debut novel. Mindy has been a part of the critique that meets in my home for several years, and she's a good friend of mine. You'll love her and her story, too. The cover makes me want to get away from the heat of Texas by visiting Ouray, Colorado, myself. The Doctor's Family Reunion will release in September, but it is available for preorder now.The Doctor's Family Reunion (Love Inspired) - AmazonThe Doctor's Family Reunion (Love Inspired) - Kindle

Welcome, Mindy. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.

There’s probably a little of me somewhere in all of my
characters. Though I do have to stop and ask myself on occasion, “What would
they do, not you?” I tend to beat around the bush, not wanting to hurt anyone’s
feelings or ask things that might make them uncomfortable. So when I have a
character that’s a little more in-your-face, it’s a challenge.

What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?

Probably walking into a Whataburger in my nightshirt (author
Beth Wiseman was with me, also in her pajamas) and asking for ketchup packets for
a scavenger hunt. Yes, we got some strange looks—middle-aged women running
around in their pajamas?!—but they gave us the ketchup. J

When did you first
discover that you were a writer?

I got the urge to write nine years ago, when my youngest
child was about to start kindergarten. However, it wasn’t until I typed THE END
on my first book that I truly felt like a writer. I knew I had done something
that many people only talk about.

That is so true. Tell
us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

It has to be romance. I read a lot of contemporaries, but do
enjoy an historical romance every now and then. I just like watching people
fall in love.

How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?

Lena, I have five children.
I’m not sure I know what sanity is. But when I get bogged down in the hustle
and bustle of life, feeling like I might crash and burn at any moment, I know
it’s time for me to refocus. To put my eyes back on Jesus (more like thrust
myself into His arms) and allow Him to guide me through the chaos.

How do you choose
your characters’ names?

They just come to me. Sometimes the characters step onto the
stage of my mind and actually introduce themselves.

What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My family. I’m an only child. When I was growing up, it was
just Mom, Dad, and me. I hoped for at least three children. God gave me five.
And now we’re up to five amazing grandkids. I am truly blessed.

Yes, you are. If you
were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A Golden Retriever, that way I’d still be blond. Plus I’m
eager to please, fiercely loyal, and I enjoy the occasional massage. J

What is your favorite
food?

You mean I have to pick just one? I mean, I love Tex-Mex, pizza, sushi, good
old fashioned comfort food…. And lest we forget sweets.

What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Conflict. I hate conflict in real life, so why would I want
to cause conflict for my characters? Can’t they just have a happy life? Of
course, the answer to that is no. A story without conflict is BORING. So I learned
to ask myself, “What’s the worst thing that could possibly happen to my
character right now?” Then I do my best to make it happen.

Tell us about the
featured book.

Can a man earn the trust of the woman he betrayed to have
the family he’s always wanted?

The Doctor’s Family Reunion is my debut novel from Love
Inspired Books and releases on September 1st. It’s currently available for
pre-order on Amazon.

Family means everything to Dr. Trent Lockridge. Growing up
without a father, he always yearned for a family of his own. One long-ago
summer in Ouray, Colorado, he thought he might build a
future with beautiful Blakely Daniels. But when he abruptly fled town, he
broke her heart and left behind more than memories. Years later, Trent is shocked—and
overjoyed—to learn he’s a father. He’d like to earn back Blakely’s love and
trust— but it won’t be easy. And the clock is ticking. He’s got only a few
weeks to prove that, this time, he’s here to stay…forever.

Of course, I’ve read
the book and loved it, but please give us the first page for my readers.

Blakely
Daniels’ world had turned upside down.

Literally.

Her gaze
darted throughout the cab of her tour vehicle, her breath ragged. Three tons of
metal groaned around her, protesting against the copse of aspens that had
stopped their free fall. The splintered windshield resembled a complex spider
web and the indented driver’s door pressed against her leg.

Head
throbbing, Blakely squeezed her eyes shut, trying to get her bearings. She’d
been driving these mountain roads since she was a teenager. Yet here she
sat—rather, hung—who knows how far below the cliff’s edge, her pickup in ruins.

How could
she have made such a dangerous miscalculation? Praise God she was alone. She
didn’t even want to think about the outcome if she’d had a truckload of guests.

Thank you, Mindy, for allowing me to give my readers a peek into your life and your new novel.Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

Loved your interview Mindy. Five children! My sister has 7 so I'm sure she could relate to what your house was like with the kids. A lot of fun times I'm sure! You also have some grandbabies. (My sister's second grandchild was born earlier this week! Now she has two grandgirlies.) Aren't grandbabies just precious?!

Congrats on your debut book. I am looking forward to reading it. However, winning a copy of, The Doctor's Family Reunion would be wonderful!

Mindy!Loved reading this post and love the first scene of your book! I remember when this was just a nugget in your mind, when you'd just fallen in love with Ouray. Can't wait to read this and for the town to come alive!